We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shanequa Mitchell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shanequa below.
Hi Shanequa, thanks for joining us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?
Being a creative person, let alone entrepreneur definitely has its ups and downs. I love creating because I can jump from project to project as I get bored or when a certain hustle slows down during different seasons. I often think about what if I pursued being a teacher, scientist, or animal rescuer instead. But I don’t like to limit myself. I feel as though I can still dabble in those areas at some point in my life thanks to my creativity and interests.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Ive always been outgoing and creative. I somehow ended up with leadership roles when it came to class assignments & performing arts. I started sewing in middle school, making little purses and selling them for $2 to $5. Took a break during highscool. Then got into designing clothes shortly after a church member helped me customize my 12th grade prom dress. Ever since, Ive been self-taught for the most part. I learn pretty fast so its been trial and error. But I love being able to bring people’s visions to life. Ive gotten to make various birthday dresses, bonnets/durags, swimsuits and more, consistently over the past 5 years. I still have moments where I doubt myself but my boyfriend, close friends and clients always remind me why I should keep moving forward. And Im proud of how far Ive come & where Im going. The more support I get, the more I can help others.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
The main way I built my social media audience and brand is by staying consistent! Even when it seems like nobody is interested, they are watching. You might think your product is top notch, but people are not convinced because of your lack in promotion or communication skills. Know your taget audience & who your product relates to. Most importantly, JUST START. You can improve along the way. Things don’t have to be perfect off gate. Invest more into your brand as you increase your profit.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I absolutely love working at my own pace and from the comfort of my home currently. For the most part I set the deadlines & work when I want to. I get to decide what projects I want to take on or (rarely) decline. I am the BOSS. I cant wait to add an assistant to help me when my sales become overwhelming. But I can handle them for now. I also got a taste of financial freedom during the Covid19 quarantine because my custom face mask sales were really good.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Pinktigresss_
- Facebook: TingzByTigress